Eddie Howe needs a response on Saturday, and will be pondering changes to his Newcastle United team against Leicester City.
The Magpies are preparing for a must-win game at St James’ Park this weekend, as they get set to face relegation threatened Leicester City.
It is the type of game that Eddie Howe’s side have struggled in this season, with Alan Shearer criticising Newcastle for only getting up for the big games.
Change to Newcastle defence feels inevitable
Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United FC at Brentford Community ...
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
Well, this is an absolutely massive game, and it is one that should see Eddie Howe make multiple changes to his starting XI.
It feels like a good opportunity for Howe to recall Kieran Trippier to the Newcastle XI, with the defender returning after illness. The Magpies need a bit more leadership at the back, and the 34-year-old can offer that.
Bringing in Trippier can freshen up a defence that struggled against Brentford, but that is not the only change that the Newcastle United manager should make.
Howe must also swap Harvey Barnes for Anthony Gordon
It might be harsh, but Harvey Barnes should not start for the second game running.
The 27-year-old was one of Newcastle’s better performers last weekend, and Barnes certainly proved a point with his display at the Gtech Community Stadium.
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However, he only started due to Anthony Gordon being fatigued on the back of his blistering performance against Liverpool.
The former Everton winger should be drafted back into the XI. He always performs better at St James’ Park, while he will relish the chance to rise above the criticism that has come Newcastle’s way in recent days.
Gordon sent a message with his performance against Liverpool, and now Newcastle need to do that as a team against Leicester. That includes Gordon, as Howe aims to rely on his superstars to get the Magpies out of this rut.
It is harsh on Barnes, who is preparing to face Leicester City for the first time since leaving the Foxes in the summer of 2023. It has been claimed that Barnes is ‘frustrated’ at Newcastle right now due to his lack of minutes, and being dropped to the bench against his former employer will certainly not lift his mood.
But the team comes first, and this mammoth clash with Leicester City should see Gordon return to the starting XI.
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